Severe Weather Claims Lives Across the U.S., Kentucky Hit Hardest

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At least nine fatalities have been reported in the latest wave of extreme winter weather sweeping across the United States, with the state of Kentucky suffering the most significant impact. The harsh conditions have led to swollen creeks and flooded roads, resulting in the tragic deaths of eight individuals, including a mother and her seven-year-old child.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has confirmed that hundreds of residents stranded by the flooding required rescue operations. In response to the crisis, President Donald Trump has approved a disaster declaration for the state, allowing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate relief efforts.

Governor Beshear urged residents to avoid travel during this critical time, emphasizing the ongoing search and rescue operations. “This is the search and rescue phase, and I am very proud of all the Kentuckians that are out there responding, putting their lives on the line,” he stated.

Since the onset of the storms on Saturday, emergency services have conducted approximately 1,000 rescues throughout Kentucky. The severe weather also caused power outages affecting around 39,000 homes, with further disruptions anticipated due to high winds in various areas.

In addition to Kentucky, other states such as Alabama and Tennessee have reported significant weather-related incidents. An EF-1 tornado touched down in Hale County, Alabama, resulting in damage to mobile homes and power lines, though no injuries were reported. Tennessee has declared a state of emergency for parts of Obion County following a levee failure, prompting mandatory evacuations in the small community of Rives.

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The relentless storm system is expected to bring dangerously low temperatures, particularly in the northern Plains, where wind chills could plummet to as low as 60 degrees below zero. Meteorologists have warned of life-threatening conditions as the polar vortex sweeps through the region.

As various states continue to contend with severe flooding, snow, and treacherous travel conditions, authorities are urging residents to stay safe and remain indoors.

For the latest updates on this developing story, stay tuned to Newspot Nigeria.

Source: AP